SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION IN DOGS

Dehydration is lack of water in the body and can cause serious complications for pets. Water makes up 80 percent of the dog’s body. Water serves as the root of all biological processes, including circulation, digestion and waste removal.

Causes

Dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop to less than normal. This is either reduced water intake or increased water loss. Persistent vomiting and diarrhoea, illness, fever and heat stroke and cause dehydration. Dogs lose fluid through breathing, panting, elimination, diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and evaporation through feet and other body surfaces.

Symptoms

• The most common cause is the loss of elasticity in the skin. When pulled lightly, the skin will not readily come back to its original place.

• Visibly tired

• Less animation

• Changes in attitude

• Eyes appear sunken and loss of moisture

• Dry mouth, gums, and nose

Final signs

• Delayed capillary refilled time

• Weak in the hind end

• Wobbly or unsteady on feet

Tips to Avoid Dehydration

Leave two or three bowls filled with water around the house, so that he gets enough to drink.

If your dog is showing some signs of dehydration, give him electrolyte mixed in water. While water helps in replenishing a lot of nutrients, an electrolyte can do the job more quickly.

Let him lick ice, he hydrates himself with licking the ice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis Blood tests such as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile are important to find the cause of dehydration.

To check whether dehydration is present or not the most important tests are packed cell volume and total blood protein tests. Determining the concentration of the urine can also help determine if the pet is dehydrated and if the kidneys are affected.

Treatment

The treatment for dehydration is to supplement the body with fluids. It is not possible for an ill pet to ingest sufficient water to correct dehydration so fluids are administered as an injection. The most efficient method of rehydration is through intravenous fluids

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